Ohio State Energy Partners (OSEP) has announced the recipients of its 2023-24 philanthropic awards. The awards provide funding for proposals that align with Ohio State’s sustainability goals and support the continuation of successful initiatives or the development/implementation of new programs or research projects that continue the trajectory of meeting the goals. Facilities Operations Development (FOD) Zero Waste Manager, Mary Leciejewski, earned an OSEP award of $50,000 for Administration and Planning’s Food Scrap Compost Expansion.
What proposal did you submit for the OSEP application? Why did you choose that project?
The OSEP award supports the purchase of the off-campus drop-off program by providing funding for mini-bins and for equipment to sanitize the green totes located at the drop-off sites. Last year, we collaborated with Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) to distribute free mini bins to off-campus and commuter students. With the new program in place, it made sense to secure resources to expand the program.
How do you plan on using the funds?
The project will provide funding for up to 5,000 free compost mini-bins and educational materials targeting off-campus students, as well supplementary bin washing equipment necessary to expand the food waste composting program.
How would you encourage others to work toward a goal of receiving this award?
I’d say go for it, especially if you are a student! There are so many funding opportunities across the university to support student-led initiatives. If you are interested in making a change related to sustainability, but aren’t quite sure where to start, reach out to one of the many partners across the university and in FOD who can help with project development long before the OSEP grant deadline in February. Our office regularly answers emails from students about new sustainability projects. For example, the front-of-house composting project started in 2018 when a few members in USG wanted to pilot the program at Morrill. We worked with the students, Dining Services, and Student Life to think through the funding, logistics, volunteers and student education.
How does receiving this award help FOD work toward its goals and mission?
The project supports Ohio State’s zero waste goal to divert 90% of waste away from landfill. Nearly 27% of Ohio State’s waste stream is organic material. When landfilled, the material produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Through composting, food scraps and other organics are turned into a rich soil amendment, which reduces reliance on artificial fertilizers.
Last year, Ohio State launched a comprehensive organics collection program expansion accessible to students, including patron-facing bins in Dining Services and Residence Halls. In addition to improving waste diversion rates, creating more student-facing programs allows students to engage with sustainability initiatives at Ohio State. These programs shape students into environmental stewards and instill new habits which they may continue to use after they move off-campus and after they graduate.